"Speaking with the Lebanon County GOP members was a pleasure,"  
said First.

"Every time I return here I feel reassured about America's future. When I see the concern and quiet passion in people's eyes, I know that eventually things will work out. With these kinds of Americans taking a stand, our nation will return to its roots," First said.

"One question from an audience member sticks out in my mind, and that was about drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. ANWR is not a serious issue, and it's telling that its symbolism cuts both ways. Advocates of drilling there right now ignore the inefficient, high costs and long-term effort necessary to achieve that.  All of our  effort on energy policy must be focused on creating clean coal, natural gas, and cellulosic wood ethanol as new substitute transportation fuels to offset our nation's demand for foreign oil. ANWR is an unnecessary distraction from meaningful progress on energy independence. Its value will be for future generations to work out, not us."